Technical Associate Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

Do you take pride in your technical skills in the development of apparel products?  Do you get excited about working on a team that consistently delivers detailed, quality results? Do you feel good when you check things off your “to-do list”?

Come and Join Us – a Company that CARES about our team! At Edwards, we care about our associates and our community. We know that our associates are the heartbeat of our company and we foster an environment that is fun, healthy and safe. Edwards is a family-friendly company that values a work-life balance for our associates and have a goal to create long-term employment by matching your talent to our opportunities.

What you can expect at Edwards - Edwards is a premier brand of quality apparel. We have 50+ years of successfully serving the uniform market with a collaborative work environment as the driver to reach it.

This position is a Hybrid role (post onboarding & training) – as part of your workweek, you'll have the opportunity to work both remotely and onsite in our Kalamazoo office. See below for complete job description.

Job description

The position Technical Designer is responsible for managing the fit and construction of new and improved products through building detailed tech packs, leading fit sessions, and communicating all changes to vendors. The position is also responsible for maintaining a consistent fit and construction based on established standards to deliver high-quality products in alignment with the company’s standards.

Here’s what you can expect in the way of specific job responsibilities as well as time allocation estimates: 

 Product/Technical Development (100%)

• Creates complete and detailed technical specifications for all new products in Product Lifecyle Management (PLM) software; including graded measurement specs, construction details, bill of material, and packaging information
• Executes technical sketches with Adobe Illustrator according to set standard
• Leads cross-functional interactive fit sessions to ensure merchandising aesthetics are met and fit is consistent with established blocks on body forms
• Systematically photographs and analyzes materials (garment, trim, fabric, labels, buttons, etc.) to ensure product quality and consistency
• Reviews patterns in Optitex to help drive fit consistency
• Provides supportive and helpful communication to external parties to keep them informed as needed on new/modified styles and approval status; provides status updates to manager accordingly
• Executes and maintains fit and quality consistency in all product categories along with other duties as assigned
• Regularly enters, edits product information to keep specifications updated
• Partners with Merchandising and Product Integrity to ensure all styles are tested for performance and physical characteristics
• Ensure consistency in all multi-sourced products
• Monitors product development cycle to ensure all time and action calendar deadlines are met

To be successful in this role, you need to have the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities:

• BS degree in Textile & Apparel or similar preferred; or product development internship and completed Textile & Apparel courses
• 3-5 years apparel technical design experience in both Men’s and Women’s products
• Strong working knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, fit and pattern development
• Highly organized, analytical and detail oriented professional
• Strong technical, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills
• Ability to prioritize work and deliver results with excellent follow-through
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Respect for confidentiality practices

Our ideal Technical Designer would carry out their responsibilities while displaying the following key behavioral competencies:

• Precision Result Focused – Focused on achieving accurate development of product to ensure product expectations are met according to established criteria.
• Systematic Attentiveness – Thoroughly ensures all tasks are completed on time and without error utilizing current processes and procedures; including technology.
• Technical Problem Solver – Effectively and consistently problem solve various product development issues to ensure established production time lines are met.
• Clear Communication – Communication is helpful, succinct and factual, based on product development information that is needed by customers (internal and external). Promptly provides information to stakeholders related to product development issues.

Perks and Benefits at Edwards

• Annual Bonus Plan
• Great Paid Time Off package
• Excellent medical plan with options that best fit the associate and the associate’s family
• Dental (including orthodontia) and Vision Plan at NO COST to associates
• 401k (with company match – 1 year of service vesting schedule)
• Others like tuition reimbursement and wholesale retail club membership
• We like to celebrate! – Celebrations (both Company-wide and departmental) take place throughout the year for achieving milestones and goals
• Read more about us at www.edwardsgarment.com under “Careers”